Pipeline Framework: Life in the UK testing

A pipeline has been launched for Life in the UK testing.The contract start Date is 01 July 2018. Approach to market date is 30 March 2018.The ‘Life in the UK’ test is a key component of obtaining British citizenship. Tests are carried out using Computer-Based Testing at more than 50 locations around the UK (separate arrangements exist for those carried out abroad).In preparation for the current contract coming to an end, it is the Home Office’s intention to launch a competition in early 2018, in order to find a new provider or providers to deliver the service throughout the UK. Bids will be welcomed from single organisations or consortia, although it is the intention that a single contract will be awarded for provision of the service UK-wide.Indicative timescales are of competition launch towards the end of January 2018, with a final bid submission date at the end of March 2018 and a service commencement date in July 2018. These dates are indicative only, and may be subject to change.Following the competition launch, there will be a Supplier Event in order to engage with potential bidders and provide further information, and to afford prospective bidders an opportunity to ask questions.At this stage, the Home Office is simply indicating its intentions. Interested parties are welcome to send their details to andrew.scripture@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk in order to register an interest. This will also assist in the understanding of the extent of the market. However, there can be absolutely no discussion or further information provided ahead of the competition launch. Any such requests will receive no response.This is a potential opportunity from the government, and the pipeline gives advance notice of an opportunity that might be offered by the public sector in the future – allowing potential suppliers to plan accordingly. When a public sector organisation publishes a pipeline notice, it does not necessarily mean that an opportunity will be offered in the future.For more information contact: Home Office, Bedford Point, 35 Dingwall Road, Croydon, CR0 9EF, England. Email: andrew.scripture@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk. (Andrew Scripture)